DAVE WECKL — Heads Up (1992) Two Version | APE (image+.cue), lossless & FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On drummer Dave Weckl's GRP set the rhythms are funky but complex and intelligent, Weckl's sidemen are very complementary and the grooves are quite infectious. Altoist Eric Marienthal and tenor saxophonist Steve Tavaglione get to blow up a storm twice apiece over vamps, Jay Oliver's synth spot recalls Chick Corea on "Tomatillo" and there are strong cameos by trumpeters Randy Brecker and Jeff Beal. Listeners who hate the sound of electronics would best avoid this date, but within its genre Heads Up is a superior effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    7th Ave. South 5:13
Bass – Jimmy Earl
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Soprano Saxophone – Eric Marienthal
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
2    Heads Up 6:40
Bass, Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Piano, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Soprano Saxophone – Eric Marienthal
3    Taboo 5:21
Alto Saxophone – Eric Marienthal
Bass – Jimmy Earl
Bass [Solo, Melody] – John Patitucci
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
4    Tomatillo 5:34
Bass – Jimmy Earl
Drums, Percussion [Timbalitos] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
5    Peripheral Vision 5:11
Bass [Fretless] – Jimmy Earl
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
Trumpet – Jeff Beal
6    Tee Funk (For Richard Tee) 5:32
Alto Saxophone – Eric Marienthal
Bass – Jimmy Earl
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
7    Against The Wall 5:44
Bass, Keyboards – Gary Novak
Drums, Programmed By [Synth] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
8    Full Moon 5:37
Bass, Keyboards – John Patitucci
Drums, Programmed By [Synth] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards [Behind Sax Solo], Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
9    Trigger Happy 3:58
Performer [Everything], Drums – Dave Weckl

CARMEN LUNDY — Old Devil Moon (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The deep voice of Carmen Lundy is well showcased on this varied set. With assistance from an impressive backup crew (pianist Billy Childs, flugelhornist Randy Brecker, Frank Foster or Bob Mintzer on tenor, and a pair of rhythm sections), Lundy performs six standards, four of her stimulating originals, and Donny Hathaway's "Flying Easy." The music ranges from fairly straight-ahead to more R&B-oriented, with Carmen Lundy's appealing voice being the main star. Scott Yanow 

Tracklist :
1 Star Eyes 4:42
Gene DePaul / Don Raye
2 When Your Lover Has Gone 4:46
Einar A. Swan
3 Just One More Chance 4:46
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
4 You're Not in Love 4:35
5 I Didn't Know What Time It Was 3:21
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6 Flying Easy 4:14
Donny Hathaway / Walter Lowe
7 I'm Worried About You Baby 3:30
Carmen Lundy
8 Old Devil Moon 4:24
E.Y. "Yip" Harburg / Burton Lane
9 At the End of My Rope 4:24
Carmen Lundy
10 In a Sentimental Mood 6:29
Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
11 Love Me Forever 4:26
Carmen Lundy
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Santi Debriano
Arranged By – Carmen Lundy
Drums – Omar Hakim, Winston Clifford
Electric Bass – Victor Bailey
Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker
Keyboards – Harry Whitaker
Piano – Billy Childs
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Mintzer, Frank Foster
Vocals – Carmen Lundy

BILLY COBHAM — Crosswinds (1974-2001) RM | Atlantic Masters Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Billy Cobham's second date as a leader was one of his better sessions. Four songs (all originals by the leader/drummer) comprise "Spanish Moss -- A Sound Portrait," and, in addition, Cobham contributed three other pieces. The selections team him with guitarist John Abercrombie, both of the Brecker Brothers, trombonist Garnett Brown, keyboardist George Duke, bassist John Williams, and Latin percussionist Lee Pastora. In general, the melodies and the vamps are reasonably memorable. Cobham also takes an unaccompanied drum solo on "Storm." Worth searching for by fusion collectors. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
Spanish Moss - "A Sound Portrait" 17:08
1.a Spanish Moss 4:08
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams 
Guitar – John Abercrombie
Keyboards – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Percussion [Latin] – Lee Pastora
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Woodwind – Michael Brecker
1.b Savannah The Serene 5:09
Acoustic Bass – John Williams  
Acoustic Guitar – John Abercrombie
Keyboards [Solo] – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Trombone [Solo] – Garnett Brown
1.c Storm  2:46
Percussion [Solo] – Billy Cobham
1.d Flash Flood 5:05
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams  
Guitar [Solo] – John Abercrombie
Keyboards – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Percussion [Latin] – Lee Pastora
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet [Solo] – Randy Brecker
Woodwind – Michael Brecker
2 The Pleasant Pheasant 5:11
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams  
Guitar – John Abercrombie
Keyboards [Solo] – George Duke
Percussion [Latin, Solo] – Lee Pastora
Percussion [Solo] – Billy Cobham
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Woodwind [Solo] – Michael Brecker
3 Heather 8:25
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams  
Guitar – John Abercrombie
Keyboards [Solo] – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Percussion [Latin] – Lee Pastora
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Woodwind [Solo] – Michael Brecker
4 Crosswind 3:39
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams 
Guitar [Solo] – John Abercrombie
Keyboards – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Percussion [Latin] – Lee Pastora
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Woodwind – Michael Brecker

ALPHONSE MOUZON — Funky Snakefoot (1973-2006) RM | BNLA Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although Alphonse Mouzon is celebrated largely for his drumming skills, the brilliant Funky Snakefoot is first and foremost a showcase for his keyboard prowess. Galvanized by its thick, greasy Arp, Moog, and organ solos, the album recalls Blue Note contemporaries like Gene Harris, albeit augmented by Mouzon's monster rhythms. Add his ragged-but-right vocals to the mix and Funky Snakefoot veers closer to mainstream R&B than virtually anything else the label ever released, but there's no denying the ferocity or virtuosity of this music. Mouzon's remarkable interplay with fellow keyboardists Harry Whitaker and Leon Pendarvis boasts a harmonic complexity that belongs solely to jazz, and the sheer vitality of cuts like "You Don't Know How Much I Love You" and "Where I'm Drumming From" is undeniable. Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1    I've Given You My Love    4:43
2    You Don't Know How Much I Love You    4:40
3    I Gotta Have You    2:46
4    My Life Is So Blue    4:37
5    Funky Snakefoot    3:45
6    My Little Rosebud    2:02
7    A Permanent Love    4:20
8    The Beggar    4:35
9    Oh Yes I Do    4:35
10    Tara, Tara    3:35
11    Where I'm Drumming From    1:20
12    Ism    3:08
Credits :
Bass – Gary King (tracks: 1 to 7, 9, 12)
Clavinet – Harry Whitaker (tracks: 3, 5, 10)
Congas, Bongos – Ray Armando (tracks: 1, 2, 7)
Drums – Alphonze Mouzon
Electric Piano – Leon Pendarvis (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)
Electric Piano, Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Mike Mandel (tracks: 3, 12)
Guitar – Richie Resnicoff (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 9)
Organ – Alphonze Mouzon (tracks: 9), Leon Pendarvis (tracks: 9, 10)
Pedal Steel Guitar, Banjo – Mark Harowitz (tracks: 6)
Percussion – Angel Allende (tracks: 1), Steve Berrios (tracks: 1)
Piano – Harry Whitaker (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6 to 9), Leon Pendarvis (tracks: 3, 5)
Piano [Tack] – Alphonze Mouzon (tracks: 1)
Saxophone – Andy Gadsden (tracks: 1, 5, 7, 9, 12)
Synthesizer – Alphonze Mouzon (tracks: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 to 10)
Trombone – Barry Rogers (tracks: 1, 5, 7, 9, 12)
Trumpet – Randy Brecker (tracks: 1, 5, 7, 9, 12)
Vocals – Alphonze Mouzon (tracks: 2 to 4, 7 to 10)

MAUCHA ADNET — The Jobim Songbook (2006) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The lack of liner notes doesn't give much clue as to how long Maucha Adnet has been active professionally as a vocalist, though a quote from Antonio Carlos Jobim indicates that she toured with the late, legendary composer. Her deep, soulful voice is very appealing, similar to that of Leny Andrade. Accompanied by a mix of Brazilian and American musicians, including pianist Helio Alves, flugelhornists Claudio Roditi and Michael Brecker, trombonist Jay Ashby, guitarists Mario Adnet and Romero Lubambo, bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka Da Fonsaca, she is obviously very familiar with a wide range of Jobim's compositions, covering both internationally known hits and pieces that have received less exposure outside of Brazil. The focus is on the singer, with occasional piano or guitar solos, with the brass and reed instruments providing background colors. She scats in unison with an unidentified male singer during the introduction to "Chega De Saudade" before swinging its joyous lyrics, with Alves switching to electric piano. She brings more depth to "Aquas de Marco" (The Waters of March)" than most singers, while Adnet's understated interpretation of "Outra Vez" is also welcome.  Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1 Vivo Sonhando 4:37
2 Só Tinha de Ser Com Você 4:19
3 Insensatez 4:57  
4 Ela é Carioca 4:33  
5 Chega de Saudade 4:54  
6 Samba Do Avião 5:26  
7 Águas de Março 3:55
8 Meditacão 3:59  
9 Desafinado 4:59  
10 Corcovado 4:29  
11 Outra Vez 5:10  
12 Garota de Ipanema 6:01  
13 Água de Beber 4:51
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Nilson Matta
Acoustic Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Acoustic Guitar, Arranged By – Mario Adnet
Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca
Flugelhorn – Claudio Roditi, Randy Brecker
Piano – Alfredo Cardim, Helio Alves
Saxophone – Joe Lovano
Trombone – Jay Ashby
Vocals, Producer – Maucha Adnet
Written-By – A.C. Jobim, N. Medonça (tracks: 8, 9), V. de Moraes (tracks: 3, 5, 13)

JOHNNY HODGES WITH LEON THOMAS AND OLIVER NELSON - Three Shades of Blue (1970) lp | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
A1    Empty Ballroom Blues    4:54
Duke Ellington / Cootie Williams
A2    Duke´s Place    3:35
Ellington / Thiele
A3    Echoes Of Harlem    4:20
Duke Ellington
A4    Disillusion Blues    3:56
Leon Thomas
A5    Yearning    5:20
Oliver Nelson
B1    Welcome To New York    4:10
Leon Thomas
B2    Black, Brown And Beautiful    3:50
Oliver Nelson
B3    Rockin´ In Rhythm    3:09
Ellington / Mills / Carney
B4    Creole Love Call    4:56
Duke Elligton
10    It´s Glory    2:55
Duke Ellington
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges
Arranged By, Conductor – Oliver Nelson
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Grady Tate
Guitar – David Spinozza
Piano – Earl Hines, Hank Jones
Producer – Bob Thiele
Saxophone – Danny Bank, Frank Wess, Jerome Richardson, Jerry Dodgion, Joe Farrell, Bob Ashton
Trombone – Al Grey, Garnett Brown, Quentin Jackson, Thomas Mitchell
Trumpet – Ernie Royal, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Snooky Young
Notas.
Original first pressing.
This album was recorded in New York City, March 17 and 19, 1970 and the liner notes by Nat Hentoff were written before the untimely death of Johnny Hodges on May 11, 1970.

HUBERT LAWS - The Chicago Theme (1974-2017) CTI+RVG / UHQ / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Hubert Laws made his finest recordings playing arrangements by Don Sebesky. Unfortunately, starting with this project, Bob James began to take over the writing chores, and the flutist's recordings became much more commercial. Rather than performing with a small group, as he did on his best sessions, Laws is joined by strings and funky rhythm sections playing now-dated commercial grooves. The six selections (which include James' forgettable "Chicago Theme," "Midnight at the Oasis" and Dvorák's "Going Home") are listenable, but nothing special. The only reason to acquire this out of print LP is for Laws' still-superb flute playing. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    The Chicago Theme 5:37
Alto Saxophone [Solo] – David Sanborn
Arranged By – Bob James
Bass – Doug Bascomb
Guitar – Joe Beck, Phil Upchurch
Written-By – Bob James
2    Midnight At The Oasis 5:28
Arranged By – Bob James
Bass – Doug Bascomb
Guitar [Solo] – George Benson
Written-By – David Nichtern
3    You Make Me Feel Brand New 5:50
Arranged By – Bob James
Bass – Ron Carter
Guitar [Solo] – Eric Gale
Written-By – Linda Creed, Thom Bell
4    Going Home 5:04
Adapted, Arranged By – Bob James
Bass – Ron Carter
Guitar – Richie Resnicoff
Written-By – Dvorak
5    I Had A Dream 6:00
Arranged By – Hubert Laws
Bass – Doug Bascomb
Clavinet – Bob James
Piano [Solo] – Bob James
Written-By – Hubert Laws
6    Inflation Chaser 6:00
Arranged By – Hubert Laws
Bass – Stanley Clarke
Drums – Andrew Smith
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Mike Brecker
Written-By – Hubert Laws
Credits :
Cello – Alan Shulman, George Ricci
Drums – Steve Gadd
Flute – Hubert Laws
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Producer, Reissue Producer – Creed Taylor
Recorded By, Mixed By, Remastered by – Rudy Van Gelder
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Viola – Al Brown, Manny Vardi
Violin – Charles Libove, David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Gayle Dixon, Harold Kohon, Harry Cykman, Harry Lookofsky, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Paul Gershman

HUBERT LAWS - Romeo & Juli|et (1976) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Light jazz (with strings, keyboards, voices, etc.) and a classical/Eastern flavor. by Michael Erlewine
Tracklist :
1     Undecided 6:07
Sydney Robin / Charlie Shavers
2     Tryin' to Get the Feeling Again 8:17
David Pomeranz
3     Forlane 4:11
Maurice Ravel
4     Romeo and Juliet 7:41
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Arranged By, Adapted By – Bob James, Hubert Laws
5     What Are We Gonna Do? 5:33
Hubert Laws
6     Guatemala Connection 5:44
Hubert Laws
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar – Barry Finnerty (faixas: 2), Richie Resnicoff (faixas: 5)
Arranged By [Voice] – Stanley Stroman
Bass – Gary King
Clavinet – Mark Gray (faixas: 6)
Producer, Clavinet, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Bob James
Drums – Andy Newmark (faixas: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), Steve Gadd (faixas: 1)
Electric Guitar – Barry Finnerty (faixas: 3, 6), Eric Gale (faixas: 1, 2, 5, 6), Richie Resnicoff (faixas: 6)
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Steve Khan (faixas: 4)
Flute, Piccolo Flute, Alto Flute, Flute [Bass] – Hubert Laws
Illustration – Pencil Pushers
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Strings – Alan Shulman, Alfred Brown, Barry Sinclair, Charles McCracken, David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Emanuel Vardi, Guy Lumia, Harold Kohon, Harry Cykman, Harry Lookofsky, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Max Pollikoff, Paul Gershman, Seymour Barab
Trombone – Alan Raph, David Taylor, Wayne Andre
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Alan Rubin, Bernie Glow, Jon Faddis, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker
Voice – Denise Wigfall, Kenneth Coles, Robin Wilson, Shirley Thompson 

MIKE STERN - All Over The Place (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:
1    AJ    8:53
Mike Stern
2    Cameroon    5:46
Mike Stern
3    Out Of The Blue    6:15
Mike Stern
4    As Far As We Know    6:33
Mike Stern
5    Blues For Al    7:06
Mike Stern
6    OCD    8:07
Mike Stern
7    You Never Told Me    6:18
Mike Stern
8    Half Way Home    6:29
Mike Stern
9    Light    6:14
Mike Stern
10    Flipside    7:22
Mike Stern
11    All Over The Place    6:20
Mike Stern
Credits:
Victor Bailey, Tom Kennedy, Will Lee, Victor Wooten - Bass
Jim Beard - Engineer, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3, Mixing, Piano, Producer, Synthesizer
Richard Bona - Bass, Engineer, Vocals
Randy Brecker - Trumpet
Keith Carlock, Lionel Cordew, Al Foster - Drums
Bob Franceschini, Kenny Garrett, Bob Malach, Chris Potter - Saxophone
Dave Holland - Bass (Acoustic)
Anthony Jackson - Contrabass Guitar
Tim Keiper - Percussion
Esperanza Spalding - Bass (Acoustic), Vocals
Leni Stern - Wah Wah Guitar
Mike Stern - Composer, Guitar, Guitar (Nylon String), Slide Guitar
Kim Thompson, Dave Weckl - Drums

BOB MINTZER & THE HORN MAN BAND - Papa Lips (1983) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded in 1983 and previously only released in Japan on Cheetah, Papa Lips is Bob Mintzer's third album as a leader. A step ahead of the rather sterile production of his previous album for the label Source (both are now available in the U.S. on CD courtesy of the Elore Records imprint), Papa Lips features a stellar band playing a program comprised almost entirely of Mintzer tunes, the lone exception is the standard "I Hear a Rhapsody." The band here is stellar and includes in various places Michael and Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, Don Grolnick, David Sanborn, Will Lee, Peter Erskine and Marvin Stamm, among others. The material is more Latin in flavor, and the arrangements are less funk-oriented than its predecessor's. The sound is still quite slick, but the material is stronger and there are no vocal performances this time out. The remarkable thing here is that the Michael and Randy Brecker and David Sanborn were not particularly well known as big band players at this time, but their execution of these often complex charts is remarkable -- check the title cut that opens the set with a fine Randy Brecker solo; it's knotty and multi-textured with colors coming from all over the tonal spectrum. "Lazy Day," a gospel flavored soul tune for big band is reminiscent of Thad Jones' and Mel Lewis' orchestra, with fine solo s from Mintzer on tenor and Grolnick on piano. Other standouts include "Latin Dance," with a great Sanborn flight on alto, and the remake of "Mr. Fonebone." It appeared on Source as well, but is much faster and more aggressive here, and Lee is less busy than Jaco Pastorius was. "I Hear a Rhapsody" contains an excellent, deeply emotional solo by Michael Brecker, though the tune itself is a bit flowery for this recording. In sum, however, Papa Lips is a fine record; it is still slick -- but that's how they made jazz records in the '80s -- but it's sheer musicality, muscle, and sophistication make it an excellent listen. 

(This comment is posted on allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower our blog O Púbis da Rosa)
Tracklist
1 Papa Lips 6:33
2 Lazy Day 9:30
Bob Mintzer
3 I Hear a Rhapsody 4:13
Dick Gasparre
4 Latin Dance 7:59
5 Truth 7:18
6 Mr Fonebone 6:42
Credits
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Pete Yellin
Arranged By, Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute, Clarinet – Bob Mintzer
Baritone Saxophone, Flute – Roger Rosenberg
Bass – Tom Barney (tracks: 2, 4, 6), Will Lee (tracks: 1, 3, 5) 
Bass Trombone – Dave Taylor (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6), George Moran (tracks: 3, 5) 
Congas – Frankie Malabe (tracks: 1, 4) 
Drums – Peter Erskine
Flute – Carla Poole (tracks: 6) 
Piano – Don Grolnick
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Michael Brecker
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute – Lawrence Feldman
Trombone – Dave Bargeron, Keith O'Quinn
Trumpet – Laurie Frink, Lew Soloff, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker
Written-By – Bob Mintzer

BOB MINTZER - Spectrum (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Included is an all-star lineup of R. Brecker, Peter Erskine, D. Grolnick, B. Malach, L. Gaines, and 14 other players. This is big-band jazz at its finest. The recording was made live to two-track digital, and the music, exceptional from start to finish, deserves it.  by Paul Kohler
Tracklist  
1 Like A Child 4:47
2 Spectrum 4:48
3 My Romance 6:20
Written-By – Rodgers & Hart
4 Hanky-Panky 3:18
5 Mr. Funk 6:00
6 Mine Is Yours 5:03
7 Frankie's Tune 7:04
8 The Reunion 5:11
9 Heart Of The Matter 8:45
10 I Hear A Rhapsody 5:46
11 Solo Saxophone 1:34
12 Cowboys And Indians 5:45
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Lawrence Feldman, Peter Yellin
Arranged By, Producer, Edited By, Tenor Saxophone – Bob Mintzer
Baritone Saxophone – Roger Rosenberg
Bass – Lincoln Goines
Congas – Frankie Malabe
Drums – John Riley (tracks: 1, 6), Peter Erskine
Piano – Don Grolnick, Phil Markowitz (tracks: 8, 10)
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Malach
Trombone – Bob Smith, Dave Bargeron, Dave Taylor, Keith O'Quinn
Trumpet – Laurie Frink, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Bob Millikan
Written-By – Bob Mintzer (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 12)

 

THE ELEVENTH HOUSE - Introducing The Eleventh House with Larry Coryell (1974-1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Eleventh House during 1972-1975 was one of the stronger working groups in fusion, led by one of the unsung heroes of the idiom, guitarist Larry Coryell. This CD reissue brings back The Eleventh House's first recording and, in addition to Coryell's guitar, most heavily featured are trumpeter Randy Brecker (who would later be replaced by Mike Lawrence) and keyboardist Mike Mandel; bassist Danny Trifan and drummer Alphonse Mouzon are strong in backup roles. The influence of Miles Davis, Weather Report, and Herbie Hancock is apparent, but The Eleventh House also offered a sound of their own. Brecker's solos are often both fiery and lyrical (although his use of an occasional electric wah-wah device is less interesting). Coryell and Mandel blend together quite well, and the original grooves on this set often have distinctive personalities. Pity that the reissue does not have any liner notes, otherwise it is easily recommended to fans of early fusion. by Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

1. Birdfingers ( 3:07 ) 

2. The Funky Waltz ( 5:10 )

3. Low Lee Tah ( 4:17 )

4. Adam Smasher ( 4:30 ) 

5. Joy Ride ( 6:08 ) 

6. Yin ( 6:03 ) 

7. Theme For A Dream ( 3:26 )

8. Gratitude ( 3:21 )

9. Ism-ejercicio ( 3:59 )

10. Right On Yàll ( 4:21 )

Total Time : 44:47

Musicians

Randy Brecker – horn, trumpet

Larry Coryell – guitar

Mike Mandel – piano, synthesizer

Alphonse Mouzon – drums, percussion

Danny Trifan – bass

STEVE KHAN - Tightrop (1977) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

What do you get when you have a superb rhythm section, saucy keyboards, a hot and brassy mini-horn section, and one very tasteful jazz- and chops-laden guitarist all come together with some jazz and some fusion in mind? You have the magic of Steve Khan and the Brecker Brothers coming together. With folks like this, and Steve Gadd and Bob James too, you have a formula for success.
Khan's compositions are smooth yet lively enough not to bore. His unique drive, and pristine flourish and tone on his modded Fender Telecaster, and even his deft acoustic work, all come together to make a very satisfying blend of sexy jazz and funked-up, be bop fusion. Yet there is that special touch that only Steve Khan can add that makes his releases a signature sound on each outing. If you listen closely, you will hear Larry Coryell-ian riffs and stylings (as Khan and Coryell used to jam together, and did record together).
Much ado is made about Mike Stern's guitar work in the '80s and '90s, but one listen to Khan and you will immediately hear who his big inspiration was. Next time you pick up an old Stern release you stand a good chance of seeing the words "produced by Steve Khan." by John W. Patterson   
Tracklist:
1 Some Punk Funk 5:20
Piano [Acoustic] – Don Grolnick
Written-By – Steve Khan
2 Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love) 6:29
Written-By – Gamble & Huff
3 Tightrope (For Folon) 5:44
Written-By – Steve Khan
4 The Big Ones 6:02
Alto Saxophone [Solo], Soloist – Dave Sanborn 
Written-By – Randy Brecker
5 Star Chamber 5:19
Written-By – Steve Khan
6 Soft Summer Breeze 5:00
Written-By – Eddie Heywood, J. Spencer 
7 Where Shadows Meet 3:40
Written-By – Steve Khan
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn (tracks: 2, 3, 5)
Arranged By – Bob James (tracks: 2, 6), Steve Khan (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7)
Bass – Will Lee
Clavinet – Don Grolnick (tracks: 3 to 5)
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Bob James (tracks: 1, 4, 5), Don Grolnick (tracks: 2, 3, 6, 7)
Guitar – David Spinozza (tracks: 3, 7), Jeff Mironov (tracks: 2, 4 to 7), Steve Khan (tracks: 1 to 4, 6, 7)
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Producer – Bob James
Synthesizer [Oberheim Polyphonic] – Bob James (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Mike Brecker (tracks: 1, 3, 4)
Trumpet – Randy Brecker (tracks: 3, 4)
Twelve-String Guitar [Electric] – Steve Khan (tracks: 1, 5, 7)

JACO PASTORIUS - Jaco Pastorius (1976-2000) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It's impossible to hear Jaco Pastorious' debut album today as it sounded when it was first released in 1976. The opening track -- his transcription for fretless electric bass of the bebop standard "Donna Lee" -- was a manifesto of virtuosity; the next track, the funk-soul celebration "Come On, Come Over" was a poke in the eye to jazz snobs and a love letter to the R&B greats of the previous decade (two of whom, Sam & Dave, sing on that track); "Continuum" was a spacey, chorus-drenched look forward to the years he was about to spend playing with Weather Report. The program continues like that for three-quarters of an hour, each track heading off in a different direction -- each one a masterpiece that would have been a proud achievement for any musician. What made Jaco so exceptional was that he was responsible for all of them, and this was his debut album. Beyond his phenomenal bass technique and his surprisingly mature compositional chops (he was 24 when this album was released), there was the breathtaking audacity of his arrangements: "Okonkole Y Trompa" is scored for electric bass, French horn, and percussion, and "Speak Like a Child," which Pastorious composed in collaboration with pianist Herbie Hancock, features a string arrangement by Pastorious that merits serious attention in its own right. For a man with this sort of kaleidoscopic creativity to remain sane was perhaps too much to ask; his gradual descent into madness and eventual tragic death are now a familiar story, one which makes the bright promise of this glorious debut album all the more bittersweet. (This remastered reissue adds two tracks to the original program: alternate takes of "(Used to Be a) Cha Cha" and "6/4 Jam"). by Rick Anderson  
Tracklist:
1 Donna Lee 2:28
2 Come On, Come Over 3:52
Vocals – David Prater, Sam Moore
3 Continuum 4:33
4 Kuru/Speak Like A Child 7:42
5 Portrait Of Tracy 2:22
6 Opus Pocus 5:29
7 Okonkole Y Trompa 4:25
8 (Used To Be A) Cha-Cha 8:57
9 Forgotten Love 2:14
10 (Used To Be A) Cha-Cha (Alternate Take - Previously Unreleased) 8:49
11 6/4 Jam (Alternate Take - Previously Unreleased) 7:45
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Baritone Saxophone – Howard Johnson
Bass Trombone – Peter Graves
Cabasa [Afuche], Bells, Bongos, Congas, Bata [Okonkolo Lya], Percussion – Don Alias
Cello – Alan Shulman, Beverly Lauridsen, Charles McCracken, Kermit Moore
Concertmaster, Violin – David Nadien
Conductor [Strings] – Michael Gibbs
Double Bass – Homer Mensch, Richard Davis
Drums – Bobby Economou, Lenny White, Narada Michael Walden
Electric Bass, Arranged By [String Arrangement] – Jaco Pastorius
Electric Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Alex Darqui
Flute, Piccolo Flute – Hubert Laws
French Horn – Peter Gordon
Liner Notes [CD] – Pat Metheny
Liner Notes [Original] – Herbie Hancock
Piano [Acoustic], Clavinet, Keyboards, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Herbie Hancock
Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
Steel Drums – Leroy Williams, Othello Molineaux
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Trumpet – Randy Brecker, Ron Tooley
Viola – Al Brown, Manny Vardi, Julian Barber, Selwart Clarke
Violin – Arnold Black, Harold Kohon, Harry Cykman, Harry Lookofsky, Joe Malin, Matthew Raimondi, Max Pollikoff, Paul Gershman

JACO PASTORIUS - Invitation (1983-2004) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Electric bassist Jaco Pastorius' Word of Mouth big band made two recordings for Warner Bros. during its short life, of which is this is the superior one. The large ensemble (five trumpets including Randy Brecker, five reeds with solo space for Bobby Mintzer on tenor and soprano, four trombones, two French horns, Toots Thielemans on harmonica, drummer Peter Erskine, percussionist Don Alias, and Othello on steel drum) performs a variety of superior material. Although Pastorius takes his share of solo space, and the sound of a big band backing a bass soloist is rather unusual, he does not excessively dominate the music. Pastorius contributed some of the pieces (most notably "Liberty City"), is showcased on "Amerika," and also plays such tunes as "Invitation," "The Chicken," "Sophisticated Lady," "Giant Steps," and Gil Evans' "Eleven." by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Invitation 6:58
Written-By – Bronislaw Kaper
2 Amerika 1:10
Arranged By, Adapted By – Jaco Pastorius
Written-By – Traditional
3 Soul Intro / The Chicken 6:49
Written-By [Soul Intro] – Jaco Pastorius
Written-By [The Chicken] – Alfred James Ellis
4 Continuum 4:29
Written-By – Jaco Pastorius
5 Liberty City 4:35
Written-By – Jaco Pastorius
6 Sophisticated Lady 5:18
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish
7 Reza / Giant Steps / Reza (Reprise) 10:23
Written-By [Giant Steps] – John Coltrane
Written-By [Reza (Reprise)] – Jaco Pastorius
Written-By [Reza] – Jaco Pastorius
8 Fannie Mae 2:39
Written-By – Buster Brown, Clarence Lewis, Morgan Robinson
9 Eleven 0:50
Written-By – Gil Evans, Miles Davis
Credits:
Arranged By – Bobby Mintzer (tracks: 1), Jaco Pastorius (tracks: 2 to 9)
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute [Alto] – Randy Emerick
Bass [Uncredited] – Jaco Pastorius
Bass Trombone – Bill Reichenbach, Peter Graves
Conductor [Co-Conductor] – Peter Graves
French Horn – Brad Warnaar, Peter Gordon
Harmonica – Jean "Toots" Thielemans
Producer – Jaco Pastorius
Soloist, Drums, Timpani, Gong – Peter Erskine
Soloist, Percussion – Don Alias
Soloist, Steel Drums – Othello Molineaux
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Bobby Mintzer
Soloist, Trumpet – Jon Faddis (tracks: 7), Randy Brecker
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Piccolo Flute – Alex Foster
Tenor Saxophone, Oboe, English Horn – Paul McCandless
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute [Alto] – Mario Cruz
Trombone – Wayne Andre
Trombone, Tuba – David Bargeron
Trumpet – Elmer Brown, Forrest Buchtel, Ron Tooley

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - The Brecker Bros. (1975-2015) 24-96

Tracklist:

1 Some Skunk Funk 5:51

2 Sponge 4:05

3 A Creature Of Many Faces 7:40

4 Twilight 5:43

5 Sneakin' Up Behind U 4:54

6 Rocks 4:39

7 Levitate 4:31

8 On My Stars 3:13

9 D.B.B. 4:46

Credits:

Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn

Drums – Harvey Mason

Electric Bass – Will Lee

Guitar – Bob Mann

Keyboards – Don Grolnick

Percussion – Ralph MacDonald

Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker

Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker

Vocals – Randy Brecker, Will Lee

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Back to Back (1976) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:

1 Keep It Steady (Brecker Bump) 6:24

Written-By – D. Sanborn, L. Vandross, R. Brecker, S. Khan

2 If You Wanna Boogie...Forget It 3:58

Written-By – D. Grolnick, S. Khan, W. Lee

3 Lovely Lady 6:18

Written-By – A. Willis, C. Crossley, R. Brecker

4 Night Flight 6:15

Written-By – M. Brecker

5 Slick Stuff 4:48

Written-By – R. Brecker

6 Dig A Little Deeper 4:00

Written-By – A. Willis, D. Lasley, D. Grolnick, W. Lee

7 Grease Piece 5:47

Written-By – D. Sanborn, M. Brecker, R. Brecker, S. Khan

8 What Can A Miracle Do 4:16

Written-By – D. Grolnick, L. Vandross

9 I Love Wastin' Time With You 6:32

Written-By – A. Willis, C. Crossley, M. Brecker

Credits:

Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn

Baritone Saxophone – Lew Del Gatto (tracks: 2)

Drums – Christopher Parker, Steve Gadd (tracks: 4, 9)

Electric Bass, Lead Vocals – Will Lee

Guitar – Steve Khan

Keyboards – Don Grolnick

Marimba – Dave Friedman (tracks: 6)

Percussion – Ralph MacDonald, Rafael Cruz (tracks: 4), Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 4)

Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Michael Brecker

Trumpet, Trumpet [Electric Trumpet], Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Don't Stop the Music (1977) Mp3

This 1977 effort continues their hitmaking streak of one of fusion and R&B's durable and respected units. While this album's predecessor, Back to Back, was credited to the Brecker Brothers Band and featured members including David Sanborn and Steve Khan, it came off as underdone and facile. Don't Stop the Music does present their gifts in a more cogent fashion, but not without a few odd detours. The title track and "Finger Licking Good" are pure disco efforts, with pushy rhythms and ingratiating backing vocals. Although they are both a little silly, they have great horn riffs and boast a potent production. Despite those danceable offerings, Don't Stop the Music also features some of the brothers' most challenging work. The funky and quirky "Squids" features Randy Brecker's customarily offbeat and singular electric trumpet work. Hiram Bullock's articulate guitar also shines on that track and he fit into the Breckers sound like no other player. "Funky Sea, Funky Dew" is a reflective, urbane mid-tempo offering that has great tenor solos from Michael Brecker. The just-as-strong "Petals" features a poignant trumpet work from Randy Brecker. Don't Stop the Music enlists rock producer Jack Richardson, and he and co-producer Steve Backer both capture the more powerful aspects of the duo. Recorded at Atlantic Studios and engineered by Gene Paul, Don't Stop the Music boasts an interesting sound, and is one of the Brecker Brothers' better efforts. by Jason Elias  
Tracklist:
1 Finger Lickin' Good 3:58
Lyrics By – Ticky Brecker
Written-By – Randy Brecker
2 Funky Sea,Funky Dew 6:13
Written-By – Michael Brecker
3 As Long As I've Got Your Love 4:14
Written-By – Beverly Billard, Doug Billard
4 Squids 7:42
Written-By – Randy Brecker
5 Don't Stop The Music 6:30
Written-By – Jerry Friedman
6 Petals 4:20
Written-By – Randy Brecker
7 Tabula Rasa 8:19
Written-By – Randy Brecker
Credits:
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax] – Lou Marini
Arranged By [Horns And Strings] – Doug Riley
Backing Vocals – Beverly Billard (tracks: 3), Christine Faith, Doug Billard (tracks: 3), Josh Brown, Robin Clark, Will Lee
Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax] – Lew Del Gatto
Bass – Will Lee
Bass Trombone – David Taylor
Cello – Jesse Levy, Richard Locker
Concertmaster – Gene Orloff
Congas – Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 7)
Drums – Chris Parker (tracks: 1 to 3, 5), Lenny White (tracks: 7), Steve Gadd (tracks: 4, 6)
Electric Guitar, Electric Guitar [Electric 12 String Guitar] – Steve Khan
Electric Piano – Jerry Friedman (tracks: 5)
Guitar – Hiram Bullock (tracks: 2 to 4, 6), Jerry Friedman (tracks: 1), Sandy Torano (tracks: 1, 3)
Keyboards – Don Grolnick, Doug Riley
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax], Flute – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Barry Rogers
Trumpet – Alan Rubin
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trumpet [Electric Trumpet] – Randy Brecker
Viola – Alfred Brown, Lamar Alsop, Richard Maximoff
Violin – Aaron Rosand, Ariana Bronne, Guy Lumia, Harold Kohon, Harry Lookofsky, Matthew Raimondi, Paul Gershman, Peter Dimitriades, Sanford Allen

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Heavy Metal Be-Bop (1978) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded live in New York, this explosive set of jazz, funk, and rock material was without question ahead of its time. Michael and Randy's use of electronically altered saxophone and trumpet sounds is amazing. by Paul Kohler
Tracklist:
1 East River 4:00
Backing Vocals – Jeff Schoen, Roy Herring
Engineer – Don Berman, Rob Bacchiocchi
Engineer [Assistant] – Neil Dorfsman, Tom Milmore
Engineer, Mixed By, Handclaps – Bob Clearmountain
Handclaps – Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker
Organ [Fender Rhodes] – Paul Schaeffer
Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Jason
Producer, Arranged By, Written-By, Handclaps, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Monet
Tambourine – Victoria 
Written-By – Mazur
2 Inside Out 9:28
3 Some Skunk Funk 6:24
4 Sponge 7:00
5 Funky Sea, Funky Dew 8:00
Written-By – Michael Brecker
6 Squids 7:35
Credits:
Bass, Lead Vocals – Neil Jason
Drums, Backing Vocals – Terry Bozzio
Guitar, Performer [Guitorganizer], Backing Vocals – Barry Finnerty
Percussion – Rafael Cruz, Sammy Figueroa
Written-By – Randy Brecker (tracks: 2 to 4, 6)

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Blue Montreaux (1978) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

At the 1978 Montreux Jazz Festival, a variety of artists (including keyboardist Warren Bernhardt, tenor-saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarists Steve Khan and Larry Coryell, trumpeter Randy Brecker and vibraphonist Mike Mainieri) recorded a dozen funky selections which were originally released on two Arista LPs. This single CD has the eight top performances from these important fusion stylists; Michael Brecker in particular is in good form. The results are not essential but offer listeners a time capsule of where R&B-oriented fusion was in 1978.  by Scott Yanow